What kind of vaccine is used and how expensive is it?

In Germany, two vaccines have been used since 2006, RotaTeq® (Sanofi) on one side and Rotarix® (GlaxoSmithKline) on the other. RotaTeq® contains the strains G1,2,3,4 and 9 and is sold ready for use in a 2ml dose. Vaccination should be started in week 6 and completed at the age of 32 weeks.

Rotarix® covers strains G1 (100% immunity) G2,3 and 9 (75% immunity) and is sold as a powder that is then mixed with a liquid and taken orally. As with RotaTeq, vaccination should be started at week 6, but in this case should be completed by week 24 of life. Both vaccinations cost around 135 euros and are covered by your statutory health insurance. For privately insured persons it depends on the tariff chosen.

What do I have to consider after the vaccination? Can I breastfeed my child?

At the latest on the day of the first dose of your child’s vaccination you should make an appointment with your pediatrician for the second dose. Also, despite the rarity of complications, it is advisable to be aware of the early signs of intestinal invasion. These consist of severe, sudden onset of abdominal pain, in which the child typically cries out shrilly and keeps the legs tightened in a protective position.

Other symptoms are bloody diarrhea, recurrent vomiting and in very severe cases signs of dehydration. The symptoms do not have to occur in the above-mentioned form and if you are unsure, it is advisable to contact your pediatrician. However, the fact that your child shows signs of an immune reaction such as mild fever, diarrhoea or vomiting may also occur within the normal scope of the vaccination and is a sign that the vaccination has worked.

Many parents wonder whether they can breastfeed their child during the vaccination period. Studies have shown that immune substances such as lactoferrin in breast milk can weaken the vaccination if breastfeeding is done in close proximity to the dose administration. For this reason, it is recommended not to breastfeed for about one hour before and after the vaccination. Outside this time you can breastfeed your baby without reducing the vaccination response.